Here's a breakdown of the symbolism:
* White: Represents purity, innocence, and the potential of new life.
* Elephants: Known for their size and strength, they often symbolize wisdom, memory, and fertility.
* Hills: Can represent obstacles, challenges, and the difficulties the couple faces.
Together, these elements symbolize the unborn child as something both desirable (white, elephants) and unwanted (hills). The hills, particularly being "like white elephants," emphasize the large, challenging, and ultimately, unwanted presence of the pregnancy in the couple's lives.
Beyond the child, the terrain also symbolizes the couple's relationship and the choices they face.
* The train station: A transitional space, representing the crossroads the couple finds themselves at, deciding whether to continue their journey together or go separate ways.
* The valley: Represents the unknown, the potential future that could be bright or bleak depending on their decision.
The "hills like white elephants" are a powerful and evocative symbol that represents the emotional landscape of the story. They encapsulate the tension, conflict, and unspoken desires of the characters, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of ambiguity and unease about their future.